In this Aug. 26, 2014 file photo, a construction worker takes in the view from the communication rings on top of One World Trade Center in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

(Newser)
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Last year was a special one for skyscrapers: Ninety-seven new buildings were 200 meters (about 656 feet) or taller, a survey finds. That's a new record, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which conducted the study; the previous record, in 2011, was 81. For the seventh year running, China finished more such buildings than any other country, with 58, Archinect reports; in fact, 74 of the buildings were in Asia. The US came in fourth place with three completed buildings, putting the country in a tie with Canada, Indonesia, and Japan.

But the US does get to pride itself on having the tallest building of the year: One World Trade Center, which is 541 meters, or about 1775 feet. Indeed, when it comes to tall buildings, 200 meters is just the beginning. Supertall buildings, which are at least 300 meters (some 984 feet) also had a record year. Eleven of them were completed—more than half the number that now exist worldwide, Archinect notes. And 2014's records may not last long: Next year is expected to see up to 130 new buildings 200 meters or taller, and up to 15 in the supertall category. (Los Angeles could soon see a very different skyline.)

Pork barrel spending has global reaches now days. How else would politicians get elected or into power without. such arrogant and frivolous projects. High density living accounts for high crime and terrible living conditions, look at the other skyline in NY or the older buildings which should be imploded, but since when does anyone care about that?

Lefty_Libby

Jan 19, 2015 12:25 AM CST

Makes me feel really nostalgic and left out. I used to participate in the construction of these things -- skyscrapers, that is. Yesterday, I was watching a couple hours worth of HGTV ("Fixer Upper", "Rehab Addict", "Property Brothers"). Suddenly, I realized I was so absorbed in each program, it felt like I was still "on the job site" during each show. Apparently, I loved my work so much, that even in retirement, I vicariously go to work via my TV shows. That little Nicole Curtis on "Rehab Addict", she's my hero. That kid is great.

charlesSpeirceCLONE

Jan 18, 2015 1:21 PM CST

You have to put things somewhere and putting it far from the homes of the workers helps no one. Elevator rides take less time than commuting.